Tennessee House Bill HB0295

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 2/3/25
• Refer: 3/4/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 71, relative to doulas.

Impact

The enactment of HB 0295 would create a clear legal framework for the role of doulas in Tennessee's healthcare system. By defining doula services and detailing the requirements for certification, the bill aims to enhance the professionalization of doulas, which could improve public trust and accessibility of these services. Additionally, this measure may have implications for insurance coverage regarding doula services, potentially expanding access for families seeking support during pregnancy and childbirth.

Summary

House Bill 0295 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the regulations surrounding doula services. The bill introduces a formal process for the certification and recognition of doula services within the state, seeking to ensure that individuals providing these services have met specific training requirements. This acknowledgment is intended to enrich the level of support available to families during labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period, aligning with contemporary practices in maternal health care that prioritize emotional and physical support.

Contention

While supporters of HB 0295 argue that the regulation will improve the quality of maternal care and provide a necessary acknowledgment for the valuable support that doulas offer, critics may express concerns about the bureaucratic processes that could arise. They might argue that imposing regulatory measures could limit who can practice as a doula, potentially reducing the accessibility and availability of such services to families in need. The discourse around the bill suggests that finding a balance between ensuring standards and maintaining open access to doula services will be a key point of discussion.